APR: Accreditation in Public Relations

Accreditation in Public Relations is a voluntary certification program for public relations professionals, administered by the Public Relations Society of America.

The purpose is to unify and advance the profession by identifying those who have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgment in the field. The program seeks to improve public relations practice. The APR designation signifies a high professional level of experience and competence.

Increasingly, career listings are specifying APR preferred. Senior public relations professionals have been outspoken in support of accreditation.​Members of partner organizations who have at least five years of paid, full-time experience in the professional practice of public relations, or in the teaching or administration of public relations courses in an accredited college or university.

Weekly workshops will begin for those interested in pursuing the Accreditation in Public Relations on Wednesday, April 25, 5:30 PM at the Colorado Philharmonic offices, 111 S. Tejon, #305. For information about the study group, contact Catherine Creppon.

"I pursued the APR because I wanted to learn and challenge myself as an Army public affairs officer transitioning into a new area of PR. Some aspects of military public affairs transfer nicely, while some new strategies and tactics are now available or more important in a nonprofit behavioral health environment. I appreciated the thorough scrutiny of my experience, planning capabilities and portfolio by several PR professionals along this APR journey. It served as a reminder that I have done some things correctly, but still have a lot to learn. During this past year, I truly gained a new perspective on what it means to be a member of PRSA – and for this, I am very grateful.” - Johnpaul Arnold, APR, AspenPointe

“My goal in pursuing accreditation was two-fold: to enhance my personal development as well as the public relations industry. The accreditation process has allowed me to go back to square one and remember the value strong public relations counsel has in an organization. I feel strongly that public relations professionals should pursue accreditation, as it demonstrates the strategy, talent and knowledge that are required to work in public relations.” - Cheron Cole, APR

“The Public Relations Society of America has effectively set the benchmark for our industry through the management of its accreditation program. Professionally, I have reached a position where I can contribute positively to that reputation. I want to set the example at my workplace and in my community for competent, authoritative public relations. What better way is there to demonstrate the value of public relations than achieving accreditation and practicing the standards upon which it was created? In addition, I wish to continue my own public relations education and mentor those coming into the profession, and achieving accreditation in public relations will allow me to do that.” - Patrice Lehermeier, APR